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17/09/2015
Marriage Bill 2015 To Be Published
The Irish Government has approved the publication of the Marriage Bill 2015.
The Marriage Bill 2015 will update the country's laws on marriages to enable couples to marry without distinction as to their sex, following a 'Yes' vote in a Marriage Equality referendum in May of this year.
Article 41.4 of the constitution provides for two persons to have the right to contract a marriage in accordance with law without distinction as to their sex.
Commenting on the publication, Minister for Justice and Equality, Frances Fitzgerald TD, said: "I am delighted to be in a position to publish the Marriage Bill 2015 which will, when enacted, enable same-sex couples to marry in Ireland. This Bill implements the strong desire of the Irish people that couples should be able to marry without distinction as to their sex. It will make Marriage Equality a reality in Ireland.
"In accordance with the priority which the Government is attaching to this matter, the legislative process will begin immediately and I will introduce the Bill into the Dáil next week. I hope this legislation can be enacted as soon as possible so that the first same-sex marriages can take place before the end of the year."
Minister Fitzgerald also confirmed that the new Bill will not change the process of registering marriages.
"The Bill retains the existing protections for religious bodies," she said. "They will not be compelled to recognise a particular form of marriage ceremony. Similarly, a religious solemniser will not be compelled to solemnise a marriage that is not in accordance with the form of ceremony recognised by the religious body of which he or she is a member."
(JP/LM)
The Marriage Bill 2015 will update the country's laws on marriages to enable couples to marry without distinction as to their sex, following a 'Yes' vote in a Marriage Equality referendum in May of this year.
Article 41.4 of the constitution provides for two persons to have the right to contract a marriage in accordance with law without distinction as to their sex.
Commenting on the publication, Minister for Justice and Equality, Frances Fitzgerald TD, said: "I am delighted to be in a position to publish the Marriage Bill 2015 which will, when enacted, enable same-sex couples to marry in Ireland. This Bill implements the strong desire of the Irish people that couples should be able to marry without distinction as to their sex. It will make Marriage Equality a reality in Ireland.
"In accordance with the priority which the Government is attaching to this matter, the legislative process will begin immediately and I will introduce the Bill into the Dáil next week. I hope this legislation can be enacted as soon as possible so that the first same-sex marriages can take place before the end of the year."
Minister Fitzgerald also confirmed that the new Bill will not change the process of registering marriages.
"The Bill retains the existing protections for religious bodies," she said. "They will not be compelled to recognise a particular form of marriage ceremony. Similarly, a religious solemniser will not be compelled to solemnise a marriage that is not in accordance with the form of ceremony recognised by the religious body of which he or she is a member."
(JP/LM)
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A new poll has revealed that up to 80% of people support same-sex marriage, Labour Party TD and Co-Chair of Labour LGBT, John Lyons, has said. Highlighting the Red C/Paddy Power poll, Mr Lyons said: "(The) poll builds upon consecutive national polls which show consistent support to afford gay and lesbian couples the right to civil marriage.
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Govt Announce Wording Of Marriage Equality Referendum
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23 May 2016
412 Same-Sex Marriages In Ireland Since Referendum
Over 400 same sex marriages have taken place in Ireland since the passing of the Marriage Equality Referendum on 23 May 2015. The largest number of marriages have taken place in Dublin, with 213 couples getting married in the last year.
412 Same-Sex Marriages In Ireland Since Referendum
Over 400 same sex marriages have taken place in Ireland since the passing of the Marriage Equality Referendum on 23 May 2015. The largest number of marriages have taken place in Dublin, with 213 couples getting married in the last year.
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